Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea (Gemmifera Group) · Vegetable

Quick answer: Water: 1–2 in per week, deeply. Light: Full sun, 6+ hours a day (estimated). Soil: Rich, well-drained; test before planting; pH 6.0–7.0 (estimated). Pets: The ASPCA list has no separate entry for this plant; it is not generally known to be poisonous. If in doubt, ask your vet.

A slow, cool-season cabbage relative that forms rows of small buttons along a tall stem. It needs a long season and tastes sweetest when it matures in cool autumn weather, so planting time matters more than with most vegetables.

💧Water1–2 in per week, deeply

☀️LightFull sun (estimated)

🐾PetsNot known to be toxic

Care at a glance

Light: Full sun, 6+ hours a day (estimated)
Water: 1–2 in per week, deep and infrequent
Soil: Rich, well-drained; test before planting; pH 6.0–7.0 (estimated)
Temperature: Grows best when it stays below 70 °F; mulch above 80 °F
Spacing: 24 in apart in beds; 24–36 in in rows
Container: At least 5 gallons, 12 in deep (estimated)
Harvest: 90–110 days, depending on variety
Lifespan: Grown as an annual

When?

Plan backwards from your first autumn frost: set out transplants at least 90–100 days before it, which in most areas means early to midsummer. Start seed 4–5 weeks before transplanting.

Step by step

Sow seed 1/4–1/2 in deep in trays 4–5 weeks before transplant day.
Transplant when seedlings are about 3 in tall with 4–6 true leaves.
Space plants about 24 in apart; the stems grow tall and heavy.
Water deeply, 1–2 in per week; dry soil gives bitter, loose sprouts.
Side-dress with a nitrogen fertilizer once when plants are about 12 in tall; follow the product label.
Mulch with organic material once temperatures pass 80 °F.
As sprouts form, remove the lowest 6–8 leaves, keeping the large upper leaves.
Pinch out the top about 3 weeks before harvest, then pick sprouts from the bottom when they are firm and about 1 in across.

Common problems

Green caterpillars and holes in leavesCabbage worms; hand-pick them and use fine insect netting early in the season.

Clusters of grey insects on leaves and sproutsAphids; wash them off with water and check plants weekly.

Loose, bitter sproutsHeat or drought during sprout formation; water evenly and time planting for autumn harvest.

Tall plants falling overShallow roots and a heavy stem; firm the soil around the base and stake if needed.

Pets

The ASPCA list has no separate entry for this plant; it is not generally known to be poisonous. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Similar plants

Cabbage Broccoli Kale

Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.